In the crook of a tree

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In the crook of a tree

January 24, 2022 by Mike Powell

Sometimes Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) will perch out in the open on branches or in prominent trees where they are relatively easy to spot. At other times, though, they perch in the crooks of the trees, almost hidden from view. I encountered these two semi-hidden eagles last Tuesday as I was wandering the trails at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

I really like the contrast between the two expressions and poses of the two eagles. The eagle in the first image seems stern and serious—I don’t think that I would want to mess with him. The eagle in the second image seems almost a little goofy with a whimsical smile and windswept hair—for some reason he reminds me of Big Bird from Sesame Street.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife, Winter | Tagged Bald Eagle, Canon 50D, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tamron 150-600mm, Woodbridge VA | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on January 24, 2022 at 7:40 am | Reply Dan Antion

It always amazes me that they can get out of the spaces.
on January 24, 2022 at 8:44 am | Reply Reed Andariese

Very nice Mike! Great closeup Eagle images! My favorite bird to Photograph!
on January 24, 2022 at 8:44 am | Reply Suzette Benjamin

The second one does look a bit like Big Bird. Awesome.
- on January 24, 2022 at 9:14 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Suzette. It is a little bit of a stretch for some people to see Big Bird, but I know that you have a creative mind, so it’s easier for you to imagine things. 🙂
  - on January 24, 2022 at 9:17 am Suzette Benjamin
    
    Yes it is!🤣
on January 24, 2022 at 8:55 am | Reply Tina

Wow–great photo! I always wonder, especially with the big birds, if some wayward limb or twig sticks them in uncomfortable spots as they perch in the crook of branches? 🙂
on January 24, 2022 at 9:39 am | Reply picpholio

Amazing shots, above all the second one.
- on January 24, 2022 at 9:48 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Rudi.
on January 24, 2022 at 11:48 am | Reply John Hric

Thanks Mike.
on January 24, 2022 at 4:01 pm | Reply Ms. Liz

I love the regal eagle in the 2nd shot and also the tree itself with all the stiffly upturned old flowers (I assume). They’re all looking up .. while the eagle looks down! The juxtaposition is so cool!
- on January 25, 2022 at 8:20 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Liz. As you can tell, I love to photograph eagles in whatever positions I can find them in. It is cool to see how you have photographed on all of the elements of the shots and not just on the main subjects. 🙂
on January 25, 2022 at 7:38 pm | Reply Eliza Waters

Great captures, Mike. Those stern looks are fearsome!
- on January 26, 2022 at 5:54 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, ELiza. Most of the time, the eagles I see look really fierce. When I look at their beaks and massive talons, I definitely do not want to mess with them.
on January 27, 2022 at 8:10 am | Reply Jet Eliot

Excellent photos, both of them, Mike. I really like the juxtaposition in the second one of what I see as a majestic eagle with a tree full of buds.